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his shoes, and shook off the dust, that he might not carry any thing away
with him, which belonged to that execrable land.
Truly speaking, the conversion of that one man was worth that of many.
The saint gave him in baptism his own name of Francis; and foretold him,
that he should die most piously, in calling upon the name of Jesus. The
prophecy was taken notice of, which has recommended the fame of this new
convert to posterity, and which was not accomplished till after forty
years. For this Christian, forsaking his barbarous island, and turning
soldier, served the Portuguese, on divers occasions, till in the year
1588 he was wounded to death in a battle given by Don Sancho
Vasconcellos, governor of Amboyna, who made war with the Saracen Hiamo.
Francis was carried off into the camp; and many, as well Indians as
Portuguese, came about him, to see the accomplishment of the prediction,
made by the blessed Francis Xavier. All of them beheld the soldier dying,
with extraordinary signs of piety, and crying, without ceasing, "Jesus,
assist me!"
The island of Ulate, which is better peopled, and less savage than those
of Baranura and Rosalao, was not so deaf nor so rebellious to the voice
of the holy man. He found it all in arms, and the king of it besieged in
his town, ready to be surrendered, neither through want of courage, nor
of defendants, but of water; because the enemy had cut off the springs,
and there was no likelihood of rain; insomuch, that during the great
heats, both men and horses were in danger of perishing by thirst.
The opportunity appeared favourable to Father Xavier, for gaining the
vanquished party to Jesus Christ, and perhaps all the conquerors. Full of
a noble confidence in God, he found means to get into the town; and being
presented to the king, offered to supply him with what he most wanted.
"Suffer me," said he, "to erect a cross, and trust in the God, whom I
come to declare to you. He is the Lord and Governor of nature, who,
whenever he pleases, can open the fountains of heaven, and water the
earth. But, in case the rain should descend upon you, give me your
promise, to acknowledge his power, and that you, with your subjects, will
receive his law." In the extremity to which the king was then reduced, he
consented readily to the Father's conditions; and also obliged himself,
on the public faith, to keep his word, provided Xavier failed not on his
part of the promised blessing. Then Xavier causi
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